What We Learned From 10 People Who Died Because Of Texting

50 years ago it was normal for people to drive drunk and not bother to wear a seatbelt.

Eventually, everyone realised how bad of an idea this was and now driving drunk and not wearing a seatbelt are both illegal.

Today many argue that texting while driving is just as bad, if not worse, than driving drunk.

Back in 2006, the University of Utah found that, “… people are as impaired when they drive and talk on a cell phone as they are when they drive intoxicated at the legal blood-alcohol limit” of 0.08 per cent, which is the minimum level that defines illegal drunken driving in most U.S. states.

Using a cell phone while driving is now illegal in certain states across the country. “30-eight states have laws restricting or outlawing the use of electronic devices while driving,” U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood said last year. But people still use their cell phones while driving.

The next time you get in a car, remember these 9 people who lost their lives because of texting while driving.

Eric Okerblom, a natural athlete, completed his first bike marathon when he was just 16 years old ... One summer day, Eric Okerblom set out on a bike ride ...

Calli Ann Murray (pictured) and her mum, Ling were heading home from a play date ...

On Dec. 1, 2010, two year old Calli Ann Murray and her mother were walking home from playing in a local park. The two reached an intersection and as they began to cross hand-in-hand, a young driver texting on her cell phone barreled down the street.

Alexander Heit has his head down while he was driving ...

...in the last seconds of his life, Heit had his head down. His car drifted across the road into the left lane, causing an oncoming car to pull over in alarm. At the last moment, Heit saw what had happened and jerked the wheel to correct his mistake. He over-corrected, however, and his car swerved off the road and rolled.

Heit lost control of his car and plunged over an embankment. He survived the crash, but died later at a nearby hospital.

The photo on the right is the last message Heit ever sent.

As Heather Learch drove home from work she was texting back and forth with a friend ...

On May 18, 2008 there was a knock on Lois Gordon's door ...

There was terrible news.

Lois' son, John T. Gorden a police officer, was riding his motorcycle on Ohio State Route 4 when a young man driving a trucked swerved into oncoming traffic. John was hit and killed instantly.

It was later revealed that the driver of the truck was using his cell phone at the time of the crash.

Before our son was killed, I never thought about people using their cell phones while driving. But now, I see it everywhere,

Amanda tells the story of her 19 year old sister who died from texting while driving ...

Here is her story:

My name is Amanda and I have a story to tell… My 19 year old sister was killed May 16th, 2009 in a car accident. She was texting me when her truck entered the median. She over corrected and flipped end over end several times before being ejected. The guilt I feel everyday is a hard load to carry. I have felt the desire to get public education out there since her accident this year.

It is especially hard on my mum, not only because she lost a child but my sister's accident happened the same day my dad passed away 9 years prior.

Amanda has been given opportunities to speak at high schools and universities in the Kansas/Missouri area to tell her sister's story and warn of the dangers of texting while driving.